Iberia operated its inaugural flight to the paradisiacal Maldives on July 3, 2021. The Maldives is famous for its natural beauty, beaches of warm crystal-clear turquoise waters, and white sand. It’s a well-known honeymoon destination.
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Iberia’s Airbus A330-300, with registration EC-LYF, operated the maiden flight. The Airbus A330-300 departed Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, Spain at 21:20 as flight IB6791 and landed at Velana International Airport, Maldives at 11:15 local time.
Introducing @Iberia , the National Airline of Spain ????????
— VelanaAirport (@VelanaAirport) July 3, 2021
All the way from Madrid to explore #SunnySideOfLife ???? ☺️
Bienvenido A Maldivas!!#VisitMaldives#IberiaFliesMaldives pic.twitter.com/u7kzimowKs
The inaugural flight had 218 passengers on board, as the island is safe from COVID-19. Male is the Spanish flag carrier’s first destination in the Indian Ocean. The captain made a special announcement on arrival to the Maldives, saying:
“Nothing excites the crew happier than being able to share this first trip to the Maldives with you. Keep your eyes prepared for the Velana International Airport’s spectacular water arch, which will greet us.”
Until August 30, 2021, the Spanish national flag carrier will operate three weekly flights to Maldives’ capital, Malé, departing Madrid on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and returning the following days.
Welcoming @Iberia from Madrid, Spain ???????? to @VelanaAirport, Maldives #SunnySideOfLife#VisitMaldives#IberiaFliesMaldives pic.twitter.com/h34jelV8Xm
— Maldives Airports Company Ltd – MACL (@MACLmedia) July 4, 2021
What a coincidence !! Departing from Madrid at 11:25 and also landing in the Maldives at 11:25. The flights are scheduled to depart Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport at 11:25 local time, arriving at Velana International Airport at 11:25 local time. At the same time, the return flight will depart Male at 22:00 and land back in Madrid at 06:10 the following day.
Airbus A330s will operate the flights between Madrid and Male. Iberia’s A330-200s are configured with 288 seats, whereas the Airbus A330-300s are configured with 292 seats. The A330-300s will offer seats in three cabins; Business class, Premium Economy, and Economy class.
Commenting on this new route, Commercial Director of Network Development and Alliances, María Jesús López Solás, said:
“Maldives has proven to be one of the safest countries against COVID-19. Without hesitation, the Maldives is our summer star destination, and we are working hard in Iberia to broaden our offer and attract more sustainable and high-quality tourists.”
Gordon Andrew Stewart, CEO and Manager Director of Maldives Airports Ltd, stated that this new route would add value to the airport and boost Maldivian tourism. He conveyed special thanks, saying:
“It is a special privilege to welcome Iberia, the Spanish flag carrier, on its maiden flight. On behalf of Maldives Airports Company Ltd, I would like to express my gratitude to the Iberia team for selecting Velana International Airport as the location for their extension of services.”
During the COVID-19 epidemic, the Maldives is one of the safest places to visit, and Velana International Airport has received multiple recognitions. Non-vaccinated travelers should submit a negative PCR test report taken four days before departure.
